Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and needs extra security or you have a new kitten that need to be vetted there are a lot of options there to choose from.

Installing a cat flap could be a daunting task for novices, but, with the right instructions, it's not difficult to accomplish. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.

Select the Right Door or Windows

There are a variety of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from going out or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. It is important to think about how easy it will be to train your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.

It's best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your house, in the form of a window that opens to a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to return inside in the event of being pursued by a pet or humans who want to hurt them.

It is possible to install the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as straightforward as fitting one into the door made of wood. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This can impact the way holes are cut, and the material you put into.

If you're installing the flap on glass doors it is recommended to seek out a glazier that is skilled in this kind of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you are fitting the flap onto an existing wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it first so that it can become familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

In order to install a cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's height. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height on your window or door and that it's wide enough for them to enter and exit easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy which may be visible around their lower back, face, and legs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.

Alternatively, you can also make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you need. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.

Measure your windows or doors

As the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be fixed into the door, and offers a way for your pet to go in or out as it pleases. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. They are available with locking options that provide additional security which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.

A window is another popular place to put a cat flap, and they're easy enough to fit, although they usually need to be placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be utilized to assist the animal get access to it.

It is possible to put the cat flap onto a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who are not experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you begin. It is recommended to consult an expert when you need to make a hole for cables and pipes. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust created when cutting through your walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are numerous cat flaps available on the market, and all offer various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that prevent unauthorized entry. They also prevent your pet from letting guests or animals to enter the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to keep out the elements and keep out drafts.

There are various sizes available depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fitting read more it to.

The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It won't prevent other pets and cats from entering however, and you could let in draughts.

It's time to install your cat flap. Start by marking the height of the belly on the door with your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure that the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Then, using your jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

It's important to have the right tools for performing any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and an excellent pencil and a spirit level drill, file, and the Jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).

If you're installing in a composite door, check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes since this could invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this instance, you'll probably have to install a new pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll require a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark out the size hole you need.

After you've made the hole, you'll need to smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. Also, you should apply any sealant you require to the back here of the cat website flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to block rain and wind. When the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to move around whenever it pleases. It's a simple procedure that most people can complete by themselves, though you'll likely require the assistance of a professional if you are installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.

Look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into using the pencil.

Once you here have marked out the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task however you'll need be comfortable using a jigsaw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a minimal cost.

Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole in your door. It is possible to apply sealant prior to doing this to website ensure that it stays watertight and weather resistant. The outside of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts' tops and then tightened together. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.